UNOPS Communications Assistant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA4

Target Start Date2024-03-01

Job Posting End DateFebruary 22, 2024

Terms of ReferenceTitle: Communication Assistant (CwC)
Project: External Relations
Duty station: Quito - Ecuador
Section/Unit: Public Information
Contract/Level: Local Support, LICA 4 (USD $1.671)
Duration: From 01 March – 30 June 2024 ( with possibility of extension until Dic 2024 under project’s approval).
Supervisor: Diana Diaz, Associate Communications Officer

1. General Background

The Operation in Ecuador has focused its protection and solutions strategy to achieve the most appropriate conditions for persons UNHCR serves to achieve local integration. The operation has strengthened governmental institutional capacity, through technical and financial support, to improve the delivery of international protection and solutions and to implement a new migration registration and regularization exercise that initiated in September 2022 and is expected to extend throughout 2023. However, as the security situation has further deteriorated in Ecuador with increased levels of violence, resettlement which has traditionally been a lifesaving intervention mechanism, has emerged as an essential tool providing sustainable and tangible solutions for at-risk groups such as: Survivors of Violence and or Torture (75% of total submissions in 2022); Women and Girls at Risk; Children and Adolescents at Risk; minority populations such as LGTBIQ+ and people with Legal and Physical Protection Needs. From 2003 to date, the Ecuadorian operation resettled and changed the lives of 10,255 persons.

On 5 January, the US government announced a series of changes affecting asylum seekers and migrants at or on their way to the US southern border. They included an expansion of refugee resettlement from Latin America and the Caribbean, although no operational details were provided.

The government has since advanced a plan for “regional processing centers” in countries in Central and South America, specifically Guatemala and Colombia. The centers will pre-screen individuals for possible lawful pathways to the US, Canada and Spain, such as refugee resettlement, humanitarian parole, family reunification or temporary labor visas.

UNHCR and IOM will be the operational partners for this initiative. IOM and UNHCR will screen and refer individuals for assessment by the US government for eligibility to the US refugee resettlement program or other lawful pathways to the US

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Senior Communications Assistant is normally supervised by a Communication Officer or other position as decided by the senior management in the area of responsibility. The supervisor provides the incumbent with regular guidance. The incumbent will have frequent contacts involving the exchange of a wide range of information with colleagues within UNHCR as well as media, international organizations, academic institutions and private individuals.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

3. Duties
- Support with drafting and producing communications content for internal and external use on the SMO initiative and other relevant topics as assigned within the unit. This may include multimedia packages comprised of human-interest written stories, videos for social media, cards, among others, in both English and Spanish.
- Support and follow-up on administrative and logistical arrangements to organise press briefings and other events, such as workshop and conferences.
- - Contribute to the production of information materials for public awareness campaigns and for the preparation of in-house bulletins, newsletters and information kits by contributing to articles, reports and other information gathered from various sources.
- - Regularly monitor media, social media and the local situation regarding UNHCR, particularly in relation to the SMO initiative.
- - Support the creation of digital content (cards, videos, copys for social media, among others) for communications with communities purposes.
- - Liaise with printers concerning brochures and publications published by the office.
- - Perform other related duties as required.

4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communication or public Relations is required.
• Education/ knowledge of fields related to Human Rights and Human Mobility will be an asset.

b. Work Experience

• At least 1 years of relevant experience in public/external relations, work with media outlets, development of communication campaigns.
• Experience working with Adobe programs (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro).
• Experience in social media management, especially Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
• Experience in fields related to human rights and human mobility will be an asset.

c. Key Competencies

• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Computer skills in Office and Adobe
• Photography and video editing
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural organization

d. Functional Skills
CO-Digital content production
CO-Drafting, Documentation
CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics)
CO-Social Media Publishing/Monitoring/Marketing tools
IT-Web Content Management
IT-Web publishing

5. Competency Requirements

a. Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Client & Result Orientation
.
b. Cross-Functional Competencies
- Innovation and Creativity
- Technological Awareness
- Political Awareness

5. Submission of applications

A. English Mandatory.B2 level .
B. Shortlisted candidates may sit a technical test.
A) Foreign candidates, to be considered eligible for this position, must have a temporary or permanent residence in Ecuador that allows them to carry out work activities in the country.
B) Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, independently of contract type and duration. The recommended candidate(s) will be required to provide the proof of vaccination prior to recruitment.
C) If recommended, the candidate must submit a current and updated RUC Unique Taxpayer Registry and a voluntary contribution certificate to the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security IESS. Voluntary IESS securities will be covered by the staff member. The salary offered is in net terms.
D) If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions

i. CANDIDATES WITH ACCESS TO THE WORKDAY: In order to apply, you must first create your profile in the WORKDAY system.

ii. EXTERNAL CANIDATES: Candidates who do NOT have access to the WORKDAY system should submit their application through UNHCR's official site for applications:
https://www.unhcr.org/careers.html

WHEN CREATING A CANDIDATE PROFILE IN WORKDAY, PLEASE USE CAPSLOCKS FOR LAST NAME AND NO SPECIAL CHARACTERS (Ñ OR ACCENTS)

CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED.

No late applications will be accepted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

1. For any technical issues encountered during the online application, please contact the Global Service Desk (hqussd@unhcr.org) prior to the deadline to allow enough time to resolve issues.

2. For any questions about the selection process, please contact Human Resources (ecuquhr@unhcr.org).


NOTE

UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Standard Job Description Communications Assistant Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Communications Assistant will report to the Communications Officer and will have regular contacts within the office/unit involving exchange of information. S/he will also have limited external contacts on routine matters. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Collect press-cuttings of articles in national, regional, international and periodicals that pertain to refugee related issues and to the work of the office. - Compile and maintain the mailing list for press releases, information bulletins, etc and ensure timely despatch of information to media and other interested parties. - Classify and maintain adequate stock of PI materials and promote sale of merchandise where appropriate. - Maintain up-to-date the catalogue of PI material and types monthly report regarding sales and stocks for submission to PI at Headquarters in accordance with established guidelines. - Provide clerical assistance with regard to PI events such as poster campaigns, exhibitions, and public awareness raising events. - Respond to routine telephone and written enquiries from a variety of sources such as the media, the public, NGOs and government officials etc. - Maintain PI files up-to-date. - Have access to UNHCR's communication systems - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G4 - 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable Certificates and/or Licenses Business Administration; Journalism; Social Science; or other relevant field. (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Communication and computer skills. Excellent drafting skills as well as translation and interpreting skills. Desirable Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position. Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy CO-Drafting and Documentation MS-Translation TI-Interpretation (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Required Languages English

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Desired Languages

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Additional Qualifications

SkillsCO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, TI-Interpretation

Education

CertificationsJournalism - Other

Work Experience

Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

Home-BasedNo